Skip The Fruit Bowl For A Cabinet-Mounted Fruit Hammock

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The idea of ditching your fruit bowl may seem far-fetched, but your produce (and countertop space) might be better off without it. The common kitchen accessory takes up valuable real estate and isn't the ideal approach to storing fruits and veggies. This might seem trivial, but when gas-emitting fruits are stored improperly, you'll notice apples rotting and avocados ripening quicker than expected. On that note, consider swapping out the bowl for a fruit hammock instead.  

There are lots of options depending on your needs and the style of your kitchen. Take, for example, macraYAYmacrame's Macrame Fruit Hammock on Etsy ($45). The piece is designed for smaller fruits, and it includes four gold cup hooks so you can fasten the accessory to the bottom of a kitchen cabinet. Shoppers praise the boho aesthetic and love the fact that it frees up prep space. There are also more larger options like Xuhal's 2 Pack of Fruit Hammocks that look slightly more modern in a black hue. Customers note that these are spacious and simple to install.

No matter what style you choose, a fruit hammock comes with its perks. For one, the woven tool encourages airflow and doesn't trap ethylene gas the way a bowl does, setting your fruits and veggies up for a longer shelf life. It frees up precious counter space cleverly by honing in on an underutilized area while steering clear of the wall, unlike tiered fruit baskets. This leaves room for heavier vertical storage options like shelves and pegboards, which can handle cookware and bakeware storage. Plus, this under-the-cabinet space is accessible while still remaining tucked away.  

Once you've purchased your hammock, take a few extra steps to ensure your produce remains as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Start by removing any damaged parts on your fruits or veggies before you put them in the hammock. That way, you'll avoid decay spreading to other pieces. Check the proper storage temperatures for each item as well, since that will affect what goes on the hammock versus what can be placed in the fridge. And lastly, learn the difference between ethylene-sensitive and ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables so you know what can be grouped together and what cannot.